How Do You Treat Rejected Candidates?

HRMToday has a very interesting and amusing story about a rejected candidate that was eventually hired and became a star player. It’s a great anecdote and reminder of a couple things:

1. We reject too easily.
2. We always benefit by treating people well.

The big question is really this: How do you treat rejected candidates? And can it be done in such a way that diminishes the negative feelings the rejected candidate will have towards the company?

I think there are ways of making a rejection sting a bit less, and maintaining a strong and positive candidate experience.

Here are some thoughts on that: http://blog.standoutjobs.com/how-do-you-treat-rejected-candidates/

Comment by Sally Raade on August 26, 2008 at 1:39pm: The best way to treat candidate is with respect. If you are an experienced recruiter..you
have ways to tell candidates why it wasn't a match.......and the candidates will respect you for that...they will still work with you because you provided the feedback.

Remember that you're there to see if there's a match. and if it's not a match, ...the candidate is still a good candidate otherwise you wouldn't be working with them.

Comment by Keeley Mitchell-Wallace on August 26, 2008 at 9:58pm: Well said Sally!!

Comment by Suzanne Levison on September 1, 2008 at 5:38pm: "This one wasn't a fit for us" (I include myself as well) The client felt that he/she needs someone with more XYZ experience .